28th Know India Programme

Myself, along with thirty-eight other delegates from ten different countries embarked on a life changing journey to India recently. The group comprising of participants from Fiji, Myanmar, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, Malaysia, Suriname and Israel were involved in the 28th Know India Programme. 

28th KIP participants at CCRT

KIP’ ideal aim is to inform Indian Diaspora youth about growth and development in India as well as to familiarize them with different facets of India with which they can learn from, as well as become aware of, as they trace their heritage and culture. However, the true experience we took away from the programme was so much more and we returned with an extended family, which will remain for eternity.

Road-side tuk-tuk repairs

The 28^th KIP was held from 9 June-30 June 2014 and was organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs together with the Government of India. The group comprised of individuals aged 18-26 and participants had already graduated or were studying towards the completion of their degree.

Hanging out with the Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs

Our journey began in Delhi, where we spent six days. Here, we were hosted by the Indian Institute of Public Administration and were lectured by various speakers whom shared their knowledge on the different arenas of India, such as the Indian economy, history, politics as well as contemporary India amongst many other discussions. This ‘introduction’ to India allowed us to interact with academics and understand on a surface level the goings-on in India today.

Art, colour and mystery, make-up a great part of the Indian legacy and so later that week participants gathered at the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, where we were involved in several discussions around these and other topics. We were also lucky enough to be enlightened on the beauty of Indian classical dance. It was an eye-opening showcase as we witnessed the complexities and intricacies of Kathak.

Classical dance instructor
Before this interaction I was merely an onlooker, yet now I start to appreciate the art form as a contributor to the shaping of dance and culture as we know it. From the movement of the dancer’s hand, to the ringing of her ghungroo bells as she stepped vigorously to the beat of the thabla expressing her passion, our hearts were awakened to the art of classical dance.

My attempt at rangoli painting

CCRT  then gave us the opportunity to express our creative flare through the creation of different art pieces, including rangoli painting, tie and dye, paper craft as well as bead and clay work.

And so the programme pushed on and this time we travelled to the 28^th KIP’ partner state of Jammu and Kashmir. A day long journey by bus ride, from Delhi to Jammu through some harsh terrain allowed us to see the natural beauty of India, passing through several different rural and mountainous landscapes. It was not an easy drive to endure, especially with the decaying roads and the lack of lavatory facilities available on the way. However, reflecting on the moments we shared whilst travelling communally, made it all worthwhile. Participants would sing, dance and occasionally fall into silence as the beauty beyond those bus windows took our breath away.

On route to Srinagar, an overnight stay in Jammu was scheduled and an interactive session with leaders of the Forest Department of Jammu, was held. Afterwards delegates moved to Jammu Aquarium followed by Bahu Fort. The heat in Jammu at this time of the year can rival that of Delhi’s as not a moment went by without us burning up.

On day nine participants travelled to Srinagar where we spent six days, visiting Kashmir’s famous trio; Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. The first of the two highlights that instantly stand out was the horse-riding experience from Sonmarg into the Himalaya Mountains.

This guy took me up into the Himalayas

Beautiful backdrop of the Himalaya Mountains in Gulmarg

In Sonmarg we witnessed beauty beyond bounds as we played in the snow, slid off ice glaciers and warmed our hearts to the abundance of horses which resided there. The second highlight was meeting with Jammu and Kashmir’ Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah at his residence. His welcoming nature engaged us during a one hour Q&A session. The discussion was graciously opened to the youth, allowing us the opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions based on the knowledge gathered over the duration of the programme thus far. Each question posed was met with an answer and not before long the short session had ended.

At J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah's residence
Srinagar’s magnificence is encapsulated by the Dal Lake. It was unfortunately a hazy day on which we were treated to a shikara ride but, even though Kashmir’ mountains were hidden beneath the clouds; the local floating market on the lake kept us company. Be warned though a fair amount of bargaining is needed before purchasing any goods.

Shikara riding at Dal Lake

Gardens and open spaces were abundant in Srinagar and the Mughal Gardens was no exception. More natural splendor had our camera’s buzzing. On a side note though, be aware of garden keeper imitators whom try to make a few extra rupees of tourists, by engaging you in their whimsical stories and taking your photographs (with your own camera).

At Mughal Gardens

The cooling climate of Srinagar was quickly forgotten as we travelled to Agra. Here the sole purpose being the viewing of India’s most beautiful piece of architecture, and rightfully so, the Taj Mahal. I quote a few participants here in saying, “If you have been to India and have not seen the Taj Mahal, then you have not been to India at all”. I could not agree more as this towering beauty was a sight for the senses which was an unforgettable experience for us.

A guided tour provided us with a brief history behind the making of the Taj Mahal. Following this we were sent on our way to see the building in all its glory. My fondest moment was when I first set eyes on the white marble masterpiece. As I walked through a red walled gate, all I could see beyond me was beauty cascading over the morning sky, accompanied by its striking reflection in the waters below. No other memory could ever replace that of the first sighting of the Taj Mahal forever etched in my memory. The hundreds of photographs taken collectively by the delegates could not completely capture the beauty of the Taj Mahal which we were fortunate enough to see first-hand.

Taj Mahal, Agra

Together participants gathered and here we shared a moment we all never thought would come so soon in our lives. I recall a conversation with a delegate from Trinidad and Tobago, and how he said that he never imagined he would travel to India before the age of 65, yet here he was, at 25, returning to the motherland in all its glory. And that’s what KIP was and is for many of us, a dream realized. So despite the sick spells, upset stomachs and some homesickness, it was the ‘Taj moments’ that made it all worth the while. It allowed us, the Indian youth to find our heritage, roots and culture. It pushed us to appreciate our history that much more and it brought together Indian youth from all over the world to find our similarities and realize that no matter where our forefathers struggles lead them, we are and always will be from one united place, India.

The group at Agra Fort

Following our Agra expedition we traveled back to Delhi, where we were further educated on the past, present and future of India, by various organizations. What I learnt and saw throughout this experience, was that as much as this programme was organized to ‘know India’, it was also about knowing Indians. It enforced our beliefs in our respective religions, cultures and family dynamics. KIP also helped me appreciate how fortunate I am to be part of  a special sect of Indian Diaspora Youth in the world and how the universe ultimately connects us though our shared history with India.